Forgery: Police reopen probe of Saraki, Ekweremadu

The Nigeria Police Force has reopened investigation into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 by writing to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Mohammed Sani Omolori for additional information to assist its investigation.

Senate President Bukola Saraki,  his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the immediate past Clerk to the National Assembly(CNA), Salisu Maikasuwa, are  already standing trial and the hearing of the case will continue on Wednesday.

But Saraki and Ekweremadu’s camps have kicked against attempt by the police to reopen the probe after the police had declared the initial investigation conclusive.

The police renewal of the investigation of the forgery was contained in a letter of  25th of August, 2016, which was signed by the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel(SIP),  AIG Ali Amodu (Rtd).

There were indications that the reopening of the case by the police was at the prompting of the National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) in an August 19, 2016 letter to the Inspector-General, Mr. Idris Ibrahim.

The letter reads in part: “I refer to letter no. DPPA/ADV/25875, dated  19th August 2015 in respect of the above subject matter(copy attached for each of reference) and request  that you avail this office with the following information:

•      Whether or not , the 7th Senate at any time amends the Senate Standing Orders 2011.
•      If yes, what is the extent of amendment?
•      The name of the officer that  authorised the amendment of Senate Standing Orders 2015.
•      The name of the officer that ordered for the printing  of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.
•      The officer that distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to Senators-elect.
•      What date was the induction mentioned by Senator Abdullahi Gumel?
•      What  did they do with the Senate Standing Order of 2011 at the induction”
•      Who conducted the induction?

“Obtain the complete  Hansard  of the 9th and 24th June, 2015 to see what transpired on the floor of the Senate.

“The statement of Dr. Ogozy Nma should be  brought to the attention of Senator Ita Enang and Senator Abu Ibrahim to corroborate or deny it.

“What is the date Senator Ike Ekweremadu presided over the house and obtains the hansard for the date.

“Considering the importance of this case, you are requested to expedite action on the request. Accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

It was gathered that National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) in an August 19 letter directed the  Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, to fill up the grey areas in its previous investigation.

The letter was signed by the Special Assistant to the President(Research  and Special Projects/ Secretary NPCC,  Sylvester Omoregie Imhanobe.

The letter said: “Sir, I have the instructions of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice(HAGF) /Chairman, National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) to write this letter for your kind prompt action.

“The NPCC and the new legal team engaged to take  over the prosecution of the above case have reviewed the case file and found that the police investigation of the case is inconclusive.

“Therefore, it is necessary that you further investigate the case with particular reference to the following:

•      Did the 7th Senate at any time amend the Senate  Standing  Orders 2011?
•      If yes, what is the extent  of amendment?

“Further investigation should show:

•      Who authorized the amendment of Senate Standing Orders 2011.
•      Who ordered the printing  of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.
•      Who distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to Senators-elect.

“Obtain the complete  Hansard  of the 9th and 24th June 2015 to see what  transpired on the floor of the Senate.

“What date was the induction mentioned by Senator Abdullahi Gumel?  What did they do with  the Senate Standing Orders 2011 at the induction? Who conducted the induction?

“The statement of Dr. Ogozy Nma should be  brought to the attention of Senator Ita Enang and Senator Abu Ibrahim to corroborate or deny it.

“Find out the date Senator Ike Ekweremadu presided over the house and obtain the hansard for the date.

“Please, it is important  that I receive your  response  to the above inquiries on or before the 7th of September for further necessary action. Please accept the assurances of my warm regards and best wishes.”